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Lees-McRae College is committed to providing a quality, affordable education preparing students for elevated futures.  In celebration of opportunities for Appalachian students, the college announced local scholarships for graduating seniors from the following counties in North Carolina and Tennessee:

• Avery County
• Watauga County
• Alleghany County
• Ashe County
• Burke County
• Mitchell County
• Yancey County
• Wilkes County
• Caldwell County
• Carter County, TN

Students who graduate from a high school in one of these counties, apply and are admitted to Lees-McRae will receive a $1,000 grant that is stackable with other academic merit, performance or need based scholarships.  Scholarships may be renewable for up to four years.�

Approximately 95% of Lees-McRae students receive some type of financial aid.  Current academic merit based scholarships range from $3,000 to $10,000 with limited full tuition awards.  Performance based scholarships range and are determined by the athletic or performing arts department.�

To learn more about these opportunities and to apply for admission, please visit www.lmc.edu.

Students in North Carolina counties are also eligible to receive an application fee waiver during College Application Week cosponsored by the College Foundation of North Carolina and the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers taking place November 14-18. Apply online at www.cfnc.org to receive this waiver.

Students, families and educators are invited to visit campus to experience Lees-McRae first hand.  For campus tour, open house and registration information, please visit www.lmc.edu/admissions/visit_us.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College has the highest elevation of any college campus east of the Mississippi.  With 22 majors and 16 minors and a small average class size of 15, Lees-McRae is a great place to prepare for your successful future.

On Saturday, October 22, the North Carolina Society of Historians had its 71^st annual meeting. At the awards banquet, Lees-McRae College Professor Dr. Allen Paul Speer’s latest published book, From Banner Elk to Boonville, The Voices Trilogy: Part III, was chosen by three distinguished panels of judges to receive an award in each of the following categories: the Willie Parker Peace History Book Award, the Robert Bruce Cooke Family History Book Award, and the Ethel W. Twiford Religious History Book Award.

Judges noted that the book was ‘extremely well-written, reader friendly, interesting, and surprisingly honest; worthy of receiving recognition in three categories by this Society.” In addition, the panel said “This book is an outpouring of emotions from Mr. Speer with regard to his place in life and family. . . . This is a very special book, a book that delivers insight into Mr. Speer’s soul.”

Based on three volumes of his family history, Speer’s personal memoir draws together his heritage and his life in a moving account of his growing up surrounded by physical and emotional monuments to the past in his family’s home place in Boonville, NC. “Allen Speer’s Voices from Cemetery Hill trilogy presents a unique look at our mountain valley culture from before the Civil War to the present, showing how the threads from the past form an important part of the cloth of today,” said Dr. Michael Joslin, director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College.

Dr. Speer’s trilogy has won a total of eleven awards, including the prestigious American Association for State and Local History Award. In From Banner Elk to Boonville, Speer recounts the story of his growth and development by vividly narrating his personal history as well as by retelling tales told by his forebears, whose voices continue to speak from Cemetery Hill. He shows how genetics, family and community mythology, and his own experiences have created the Allen Speer whose voice joins those of his ancestors to create a poignant portrait of a Southern family and their culture.

Dr. Allen Paul Speer is a Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Lees-McRae College and has been teaching at LMC for thirty-four years.

By Robin Olson

On the morning of Saturday, August 27, the residents of Goose Creek Island were surprised by Hurricane Irene’s early arrival. The hurricane reached the island seven hours before the projected time of 11 a.m.

Sabra Nethercutt, a Lees-McRae student and resident of Goose Creek Island, woke up at 4:30 a.m. to eight inches of water that had already accumulated in her front yard. By 8:30, water began seeping into Sabra’s house, so she and her family began gathering canned goods, and mattresses and storing them in the attic to save them from the encroaching flood.

By early afternoon, the water was to Sabra’s knees, and had reached five to six feet outside her house. The skies had cleared considerably, and most thought the storm was reaching an end. The water was deep enough that Sabra’s cousin, Todd Poperwill, was able to drive his 25 ft. boat into her backyard. Todd was going to take Sabra and her family to his 50 ft. shrimping boat, so they jumped over the banister on her back porch and into the boat. “Road signs were almost underwater and the only thing you could see on my car was the top of the roof,” said Sabra.

Once again, Hurricane Irene surprised Goose Island. The calm they had been experiencing was just the eye of the storm, and the second wall was about to hit. Sabra and her family boarded her cousin’s bigger boat, the Miss Taylor, making a group of 14 people – five children under the age of eight, nine adults, two dogs and a cat. As the second wall of Hurricane Irene confronted the boat, nine foot waves were crashing on the port side, pinning the boat against the docks pillars and preventing the Miss Taylor from balancing itself. “There was a loose water tank under the boat that had rolled over to the starboard side, which played a major role in keeping the boat tilted.”

The Miss Taylor was at such a precarious angle, that 20 minutes after boarding the boat, they made the decision to move back to the smaller 25 ft. boat. Sabra’s cousin went first followed by her grandfather. He made it to the smaller boat, and while he was attempting to hold the two boats together, a large wave knocked him off the boat and into the water.

“All I could hear was my aunt screaming,” said Sabra. “We couldn’t find him until he stood up.” Somehow, by the grace of God, Sabra’s grandfather landed on the dock that was hidden under several feet of water. “I honestly thought he looked like Jesus standing on the water.” After her Granddad made it safely back to the boat, Sabra turned her attention to the children with her.

After getting caught in a net and almost falling, Sabra slid down the tilted deck and began handing the children over her head to her cousin. Todd would then toss them to Sabra’s boyfriend, who, in turn, would hand them to their aunt, and she kept them from sliding off the edges of the boat. By the time everyone was safely on the smaller boat, the Miss Taylor was completely sideways in the water. Todd attempted to direct the boat to the Coast Guard station around the point, but the waves had reached heights of 10 to 13 feet, which almost made the boat flip multiple times. Sabra huddled with the children, trying to keep them calm. “We prayed harder than ever.”

They decided instead to turn inland where the water was much calmer; however there was still powerful winds and ice-cold rain. They stopped at her cousin’s house to gather supplies, and while they were loading the boat, the water receded so quickly that the 25 ft. boat was stuck in his front yard. When the water was only ankle deep, Sabra and her family walked to Sabra’s house. They were thankful to have the dry beds they saved in the attic early that morning.

The next morning, devastation caused by Hurricane Irene was evident. Sabra’s kitchen ceiling caved in, and over three feet of water had accumulated in her house. “There were boats sitting the in middle of the road and in people’s front yards who didn’t have boats to start with,” said Sabra. Goose Creek Island is home to 500 residents, and only seven homes were not flooded. Many, just like Sabra’s family, lost their homes, their cars, and all of their possessions. Some are planning to leave Goose Creek Island, but most are staying and beginning to rebuild what Irene tore down.

Meanwhile, here at Lees-McRae College, students decided to unite in helping the residents of Goose Creek Island. Lindsey Bush and Emily Guenthner organized a relief effort for Sabra’s community and quickly advertised the event on Facebook. “They began by asking for donations from anyone who could participate. The Bonner Leaders quickly decided to get involved soon after,” said Kelsi Lane.

Kelsi and fellow Bonner, Whitney Brandon, decided to advertise to the entire campus what they were planning to do. They sent out a campus-wide email and made flyers encouraging people to donate to the cause quickly. “We only had a week to collect donations due to the extreme need of food, water, clothing, batteries, and more,” said Kelsi. “Lindsey Bush, Emily Guenthner, Olivia Looney, and a few other students went to Wal-Mart and purchased over $200 in donations out of pocket.” Other donations soon started pouring in.

Many students were eager to help, collecting batteries, canned food, water, clothing, feminine products, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, etc.… “The Banner Elk Presbyterian Church really came through with donations,” said Kelsi, “Pastor Joe [Washburn] and another member of the church decided to drive a van full of donations down to Goose Creek Island, which is roughly a six-hour drive.”

On Thursday, September 8, Kelsi and Whitney headed down to the Island as well to drop off more donations and participate in the relief efforts. That Friday, they focused on helping one individual clean out his home.

“The disaster was on an enormous scale. The homes mainly suffered from flood damage. This means most of the belongings in each home had to be thrown away,” explained Kelsi. “The residents were ecstatic to see the donations. A lot of them had essentially lost everything – even the basics like food and water.” The America Red Cross has also been assisting the Island, supplying them with hot meals for lunch and dinner.

“Goose Creek Island is so thankful, and we greatly appreciate everything the Lees-McRae students have donated,” said Sabra. However, there is still plenty to do for Goose Creek Island. They are still accepting donations, and especially need bleach, fans, packing boxes, bug spray, towels, clothing, and school supplies. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact Sabra Nethercutt (sn0107829@lmc.edu), Kelsi Lane (kl0101563@lmc.edu) or call the Pamlico Country Courthouse at (252)-745-4821.

Lees-McRae alumnus Melvin Whittenburg ’85 has many wonderful memories of his time on campus, many of which include wearing the green and gold Bobcats football uniform. But Lees-McRae means much more to Whittenburg than the memories made on the football field.

“Matthew 22:37-40 states ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ – LMC embraced me with open arms after many larger schools closed their doors of opportunity to me. LMC not only took me in, but provided a warm and loving attitude that motivated me to become a better student and extremely proud to be an LMC Bobcat,” said Whittenburg. “Stop and think about how profoundly this attitude would change the world if every campus carried it out? Jesus summed up the entire point of God’s law in two phrases, and both of them – loving God, and loving our neighbors – are all about putting the needs of others before our own. That’s what LMC meant to me. Lees-McRae molded a foundation that prepared me for the challenges life would through my way.”

Whittenburg can sum up the importance of Lees-McRae to him in a few points: Learning about life, memories, and chosen people.

“Lees-McRae taught me that the world is filled with many different people and cultures that are different from our own. Therefore, I shall strive to treat all with the same love and respect that I desire for myself. Secondly, it’s not the size of the school that matters, but the size of the hearts of its faculty and students that count the most. LMC was not just an institution of higher learning, it was a family that prepared its members to be loving, kind, and to strive to make a positive impact in the world for all mankind,” he said.  “I also learned that I can achieve anything my heart desires if I put Jesus first and love my neighbors as I love myself.”

Whittenburg cherishes the everlasting friendships and memories he made at Lees-McRae that have been ongoing for more than 25 years.

“I believe that the LMC family of faculty, staff and students were handpicked by our Lord to bond, unite, and become one with the common purpose of making a difference in the world,” said Whittenburg.

Whittenburg attributes much of his success to the days spent at Lees-McRae College. “All of my past and future accomplishments are only because of the LMC degree that hangs on my home office wall.  Without that LMC degree, I would not have been able to obtain more advanced degrees; I would not have been blessed with two outstanding careers as an Army Officer and ExxonMobil Corporation employee; I would not have met my wife; I would not have been blessed with two beautiful daughters; I would not have been blessed with a home and cars; and I would not have been blessed to give back to Jesus, my family, and LMC.”

When asked what advice he would share with current and future Lees-McRae students, Whittenburg responded, “Remember, you did not get to LMC by accident. The four years you spend on the highest elevated campus in the East will indeed be full of everlasting friendships and memories. Strive to be all you can be, give 100%, and be kind to all mankind. The roads of life are filled with many bumps and curves, but always remember that if someone else can do it, so can you.  Never let Jesus, yourself, your family, or LMC down, always strive to make future generations better.  Remember that many of your future accomplishments will be because of those who came before you and your LMC degree.”

Dr. William Turner, Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Studies and Regional Ambassador from Berea College, will present a program as part of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia’s Lecture Series Thursday, September 29, at Lees-McRae College in the Carson Library. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., Turner will share his experiences and insights as Southern Appalachia’s premier scholar of black Appalachia.

Born in Lynch, Kentucky, Bill Turner pioneered the study of African Americans in Appalachia. Turner’s mentor at the University of Kentucky where he received his B.A. degree in 1968 was John Stephenson, whom the lecture series celebrates. Turner proceeded to receive his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. His book Blacks in Appalachia published in 1985 is a seminal work in the field.

Turner has had a distinguished career as a professor, researcher and administrator at several colleges and universities, and is in high demand as a speaker on Appalachia and African American culture.

“Dr. Bill Turner is a unique voice in Appalachian scholarship. He is an excellent speaker as well as scholar,” said Dr. Michael Joslin, director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia. “His personal experience, his writings, and his wide acquaintance throughout Southern Appalachia provide an illuminating perspective on black Appalachia. We invite everyone to join us for this important program.”

Turner’s lecture is free and open to the public beginning at 7:00 p.m. on September 29th in the Carson Library on the Lees-McRae campus. For information call Meghan Wright at 898-8729.

Lees-McRae College will celebrate Founder’s Day on Friday, September 23 with a special dedication of a life-size bronze sculpture of Founder Rev. Edgar Tufts in Swank Park. The dedication ceremony and will begin at 11 a.m.

Commissioned and donated by Trustee Murray White and wife, Carolyn, the sculpture in Swank Park will honor the life and legacy of service of Rev. Tufts.

By the end of the 19^th century, the Presbyterian Church was becoming established in the mountains of western North Carolina, and in the summer of 1895 Concord Presbytery sent a young student from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia to organize a church at Banner Elk. In 1897, newly ordained, the Reverend Edgar Tufts returned as pastor of the church and remained to serve the community until his death in 1923.

In the winter of 1899, concerned with the limited offering of the district school which was supplemented only by summer school work conducted by the church, Rev. Tufts took some of the young people of the neighborhood into his study for further instruction. This small group, called the Class of 1900, marks the beginning of Lees-McRae College.

Rev. Tufts saw, however, that this effort was not enough and that there was a need for a boarding school, especially for the girls of the mountain region. A small amount of money was raised at a prayer meeting and the promise of lumber and labor made possible the opening in 1900 of a frame dormitory for fourteen girls and one teacher. One of the summer school teachers was Elizabeth A. McRae, originally of South Carolina, who had been sent to Banner Elk by Fayetteville Presbytery. Knowing the devoted character of her work, Rev. Tufts named the institute for her. A few years later, after a boys’ department had been opened at Plumtree, he added the name of Mrs. McRae’s friend, Mrs. S.P. Lees of Kentucky and New York, who had been a generous benefactor. The schools were chartered by the state in 1907 as the Lees-McRae Institute. In 1927 Lees-McRae became coeducational when the boys unit was moved to Banner Elk after the buildings at Plumtree had been destroyed by fire.

Lees-McRae Institute became Lees-McRae College in 1931, gradually eliminating the high school department to form an accredited, coeducational junior college. In 1987 the Board of Trustees of Lees-McRae College voted to seek senior college status. In June of 1990 the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Lees-McRae status as a senior (four-year) college.

Over a hundred years after its founding, Lees-McRae College continues in the vision of the Rev. Tufts meeting the educational needs of the Southern Appalachian region and beyond. The college continues to fulfill its motto, in the mountains, of the mountains, and for the mountains while extending its ministry of education and service to diverse populations.

For more information, contact Meghan Wright, director of communications, at wrightm@lmc.edu or call 828-898-8729.

Brent Bookwalter, a 2006 graduate of Lees-McRae and 2010 Hall of Fame inductee, made his second appearance in the Tour de France this year, aiding teammate Cadel Evans’ first TDF victory. Bookwalter, who went pro in 2008, races for BMC Racing, a Swiss-based racing team.

As a Bobcat, Bookwalter won seven national titles in collegiate mountain biking.

Read more about Bookwalter’s Tour de France experience at www.lmcbobcats.com or by clicking here.

Alumnus Gary T. Moss, Jr. ’99 knows the value of a Lees-McRae education. Now a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner in Boone, and father of two children with a third due any day, Moss remembers the time he spent at Lees-McRae fondly, and believes in giving back to his alma mater.

“Lees-McRae College is truly a place like no other. The students, faculty, staff, and community welcome newcomers with open arms. Whether visiting the campus for the first time or returning for a long awaited reunion, you will experience the warm and friendly atmosphere,” said Moss. “Lees-McRae College is a place built on friendships and relationships that last a lifetime.”

Moss believes it is important to recognize when presented an opportunity. “Lees-McRae afforded me the opportunities of both an education and life experience. As a father of two, and soon three, I have come to understand the importance of giving back. I’d like to share my knowledge and experience so that other students may have similar opportunities.”

When asked about the advice he would share with Lees-McRae students now, Moss responded with three wise suggestions. “First, have fun! You will look back one day and see how fast this time of your life goes by.”

“Second would be to remember your roots,” Moss said. “Never forget where you started and appreciate the journey you travel each day. Lastly, take advantage of every opportunity. Some will present themselves clearly and instantly; others may appear in a challenge. Like Albert Einstein said, ‘in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.’”

“Each student has a gift, a gift that should not be wasted. Be it academics, athletics, arts, business, etc., apply your gift to the opportunity presented while at Lees-McRae, for these will become the building blocks of your future,” said Moss.

From orientation to graduation, a Lees-McRae experience is filled with unique and fun memories. Many of those memories Moss attributes to the small-town atmosphere he grew to love as a Lees-McRae student and Banner Elk resident. “The community, the people and the beautiful mountain setting gave me so much enjoyment. Many memorable days were spent skiing, hiking and biking,” Moss remembers. “As an alumnus, it makes me proud to see the efforts that Lees-McRae has made to include the town and its surroundings into the curriculum.”

As an Ameriprise CFP® Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner, Moss now helps individuals reach their financial goals through a personal relationship based on personalized, knowledgeable financial advice. Along with his involvement with Lees-McRae College, Moss is active in Meals on Wheels, the Watauga Leadership Challenge, Boone Chamber of Commerce and he’s a board member of the Watauga County Chapter of the Red Cross.

He attributes much of his success to his Lees-McRae education, particularly professors in the business division who brought real world experiences to the classroom. “As a business owner, I am able to utilize and appreciate the lessons they taught me that are now proving to be invaluable.”